What should be done if a patient is showing signs of respiratory failure?

When a patient shows signs of respiratory failure, the priority is to address their compromised airway and breathing. Administering oxygen and assisting with ventilation is crucial in this scenario because respiratory failure can lead to insufficient oxygenation or carbon dioxide retention, which can quickly become life-threatening.

By providing supplemental oxygen, you help improve the patient's oxygen saturation. Additionally, assisting with ventilation may include techniques such as bag-mask ventilation or using a bag-valve mask device to ensure that the patient receives adequate breaths. This intervention is essential as it can stabilize the patient and prevent further deterioration while awaiting advanced medical help.

Monitoring heart rate and pulse does provide useful information about the patient's cardiovascular status, but it does not directly address the immediate need for respiratory support. Waiting for symptoms to improve on their own or reassessing every 30 minutes could result in critical delays in treatment. In cases of respiratory failure, every second counts, so timely action is necessary to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.